Ashes: David Warner in contention for Old Trafford

CLIVE WELLINGTON

Australia batsman David Warner is back in contention for the third Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford this week.

Warner scored 193 for Australia A against South Africa A in Pretoria last week after being sent to join the second-string side’s tour to gain match practice.

The 26-year-old was suspended by Cricket Australia last month after punching Joe Root in a Birmingham bar following a Champions Trophy match at Edgbaston.

He was then left out for the opening two Test defeats at Trent Bridge and Lord’s but is now back in the squad.

Australia are anxious to improve to prevent England securing the series in Manchester and Warner, who has 19 Test caps, could pressurise Phil Hughes or Chris Rogers for a place.

Coach Darren Lehmann said: “He got 193 and played well, did exactly what we wanted him to do. We want blokes to make hundreds, and he’s ticked that box. We’ll have to look at the wicket and what we come up with in the top six.”

Ed Cowan could be another contender after scores of 66 and 77 not out in Australia’s latest tour match against Sussex at Hove.